Charleston R-1 Special Services Department raises funds for law enforcement, Special Olympics

Sunday, May 8, 2016

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The Charleston R-1 School District Special Services Department completed their fundraiser for law enforcement appreciation and Special Olympics Missouri this month.

The staff raised $3,409 in recognition of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in order to help bring a positive awareness, respect and appreciation to law enforcement and to help Special Olympics Missouri.

This donation is being made in support and recognition of law enforcement and their Law Enforcement Torch Run, according to Carla M. Bell, director of Special Services for Charleston R-1 School District.

Bell indicated that it was a pleasure to be able to make this donation.

"This project was a good way to restore faith in humanity," Bell said. "Most everyone we asked was generous, kind and appreciative of our efforts in bringing positive awareness to two wonderful organizations -- Law Enforcement and Special Olympics."

The Charleston R-1 Special Services Department sold blue wristbands stating "I SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT." The staff sold wristbands to their family and friends, solicited donations from area businesses and service clubs and sold wristbands at Walmart on a Saturday.

"We would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to our project in any way," Bell said.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a campaign that raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Nearly 6,500 law enforcement officers work year-round in Missouri to raise dollars that support Special Olympics sports training and athletic competition programs for more than 16,500 athletes across the state.